Disclaimer: I own nothing. Dreamworks owns How to Train Your Dragon. Disney owns Tangled, Frozen, Sword in the Stone, and Brave. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Entertainment One distributed Justin and the Knights of Valor, but Kandor Graphics created it, so they own it.
This takes place after A Tangled Gathering.
Castle DunBroch had known much chaos in the past day. Feral-made dragons that had been magically poisoned by a witch who had damaged the palace and field with her presence. That was minor compared to now since grass can regrow and walls rebuilt. Yet, in the end, it wasn't brute force that won, but a small glass vial. The contents of an antidote meant to heal had harmed Mim and drove her off in a coughing fit. With manic, psychedelic spots, the witch fled the fields of the Highlands, seemingly vanishing into thin air.
Now was the time to clear the air before people got hurt over petty squabbles.
It was the dawn of a new day. The remains of yester were used for healing and calming down as the various noblemen and ladies gave due space where needed. Tensions would not go away, only soothe, as people talked. Invangarr and its warriors kept to themselves, denying any conversation, even those behind closed doors. Equis and Bayandor men would be seen at the remains of the purple tent, sipping fine wine in silence. Many similarities could be compared across the actions of everyone.
However, the kingdoms that stood out against Mim's attack were the center of attention: DunBroch, Berk, Corona, Arrendelle, London, and Gablyonia.
Since they were dragon masters, the Vikings had trouble ignoring onlookers as they were bombarded with questions about the creatures. Fishlegs, always happy to share such knowledge, took the crowd away from everyone but answered with vague responses, only detailing the majestic nature of the reptiles. Meatlug had oft been the subject, being told of her gentle ways and love of hot springs and lavender in an ongoing manner. This bored off man scholars as the bulky Viking watched them with a smirk.
Chief Haddock had worse luck. Being the head of Berk and most respected in the Viking Archipelago made him a prime target for women. Dinner had been less than peaceful as some duchesses and countesses sat at his table, asking about his love life and interests. If it weren't for the interventions of Astrid and Dagur, the chief would have been swarmed. The same could be said for Alvin, though his brutish features scared away most courters.
Like Chief Haddock's situation, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna had been approached by many men. But they were promptly given a cold shoulder and soon met with guards to keep them at bay. The ice queen knew this would happen, keeping her emotions in check as she went the rest of the day chatting with her sister. However, she knew things would take a more drastic turn in the years to come, not just amorously but politically.
Merida had a system in place for peace or for keeping everyone but her people at bay. The three clan heirs, Rian, Attie, and Callum, kept to her side as they eyed anyone who glanced in the direction of the Celtic princess. Her father could be seen doing the same, not wanting to give his daughter away like an object. Queen Elinor could be seen hugging her girl at times, full of motherly pride.
As for the triplets, well, since they were out of the action, they kept themselves distracted by lightly pranking anyone who was unimportant, including once tying together two kilts as a man walked by. The next thing anyone knew, some women had fainted at the sight of the kiltless men. Someone needed to introduce underwear to the locals.
Rapunzel, a kind-hearted princess, walked through the castle with King Arthur. The latter felt saddened by the tampering of Mim. Seeing the witch had come from his kingdom, he knew there would be a horrendous backlash from the neighboring nations. The former patted him gently on the shoulder, like a big sister, as she spoke words of encouragement. Beneath her exterior, the girl did everything to hope for the best, knowing this was where a happy face was paper thin against hidden daggers.
Though he mostly occupied himself in the background, Sir Justin stood guard with the other knights, watching the kingdom's faces. He was only a warrior, but the boy could feel the edge of battle threatening everyone. However, it would not occur through a clash of steel. Rather political powers were taunting the fight on the precipice as the many kingdoms traded glances.
"Terrible thing about politics, once everyone sees something they want, everything else can be ignored."
"Yes, I'm so glad we never intermixed with the like."
Sir Justin knew the voices of Melquiades/Karolius, not needing any confirmation. A simple smile and the knight gestured for his friend's company as they studied the room. The wizard's dual personas were uncharacteristically quiet as they listened to whispers and murmurs hidden beneath the celebratory cheers of the warriors.
"Any idea what will happen next?" Sir Justin's tone was mixed with courage and fear, with more of the latter present.
Melquiades shrugged his shoulders with a soft smile before Karolius put on a more serious voice. The dark mage grabbed the boy's shoulders for a whisper.
"Whatever happens, that witch will come back and with company, no doubt."
"How obvious," Melquiades snarked with a cheeky grin.
"True, but whoever Mim was talking about had to be someone of great power. I can think of no one else, but-"
"Don't even think about it." Karolius was cut off as the other half clapped their mouth shut.
Sir Justin was now looking at the two, his attention missing a few noblemen trading words and parchments. Whatever was happening seemed distant as the knight leaned in.
"Who are you talking about, pray tell?" Sir Justin whispered.
Whatever Melquiades said was muffled under his hand. The mage seemed to loosen his lips, but Karolius positioned another on their face. Their expressions argued in gibberish as the only free hand contorted between soft and firm gestures, some of which Sir Justin never thought the wizard would use.
"Is everything alright?" Justin placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Melquiades and Karolius stared at each other cross-eyed, almost freaking out the Knight before they pulled him in quickly.
"It's a name no one talks about, least they bring trouble."
"A terrible force of darkness. The likes of which only a madman would dare venture towards."
"Who?" Sir Justin leaned in as he put one hand to his ear.
"What are you guys doing?" Sir Justin and the wizards turned to see Talia with two plates, starting with a slight cringe expression. The girl zigzagged her gaze between the two, walking over after a long minute to give her boyfriend a break and some time to relax. She knew trouble was still ahead but thought it better not constantly to stare at the room.
A watched pot never boils.
Karolius gave Sir Justin a smiling face as he pushed the boy toward the girl. There would be time to talk later, while he hoped never to have such thoughts become real or have to go into graphic details.
The night moved at a tenuous pace all through the night as the roosters crowed in the morning. Breakfast was similar to dinner but more openly joyous as everyone tried not to start a fight. Whether everyone had a good night's sleep or forgot about their suspicions, it was a small reprieve before everyone gathered on the festival grounds or, more specifically, what was left of it.
What was once a greenfield with colorful tents had streaks of burnt black as some tents stood adamantly against the chaos. The makeshift games, taverns, and merchant stalls had been repaired to a certain extent. While not as merry in the beginning, friendly faces were still seen as children ran around, imitating yesterday's battle innocently as mothers and fathers managed them and the stalls until they heard a horn blown deeply.
King Fergus and Queen Elinor called for everyone to gather at the field where the tournaments were held, standing in the center as people crowded the bleachers and benches, wondering what was happening. The balcony for the representatives burned in the dragon rampage, leaving the nobles on the ground, much to the annoyance of many. Everyone stared at the Celtic royal family as Princess Merida walked to her parents.
The king took a deep breath, staring at the crowd, feeling more like a boy caught in a raid than a leader. Hesitantly, he took two steps forward and began to address the people.
"I invite you all here to show how my kin, my clans, my kingdom, how all of us have banded together to live in peace. To be strong against invaders who threaten us and friends alike. But the day before has shown me there are worse things out there, willing to fight us just cause. To say the least, I'm angry!" Fergus unsheathed his sword. The crowd gasped as they watched. He stared at the nobles and visitors with fierceness projecting like no other, stabbing his blade into the ground. "But it is also proven...that my people can not be a shield to all. Many of ye have come, talking about joining together, but it seems there are different..." Fergus was a loss for words.
"Ideology."
"Ideology...ideology? Yes! Ideology!" King Fergus nodded to his wife in thanks. "And that's why I am here to say, DunBroch is a kingdom of strength, ready to those who'll lend a hand for its people, but we will not be a tool for the likes of anyone who wishes to make the first strike! We are warriors of the Highlands! And we fight with purpose! With Honor!"
At those words, the people of DunBroch cheered, agreeing with the king as the Vikings joined in. Knights could be seen clapping their hands in respect, but the glares of their leaders had silenced some. The royal family of these lush green fields smiled as their kings gestured for the crowd to calm down. It did not work, so he yelled at the top of his lungs to speak his mind.
"And so, it has come to my attention that we have allies in arms who wish to join us as friends and comrades. I ask those willing to join, ask your leaders, tell them of how the many warriors here gathered to fight off the evil witch, Mim. And if said kings or queens are here, step forward, and display your blade along side mine!"
To the man's surprise, the crowd's fervor waned as he waited. The field was occupied by only his family, making him stutter as he looked at his visitors. Some had been fidgeting, gesturing for others to take the first step on the grass. Politics was a subject always at play for royalty, even if the spotlight was shining bright with honor.
Chief Haddock looked around, surprised at how none of the others kingdoms were taking a step. He wanted to step up, in fact, he had all of his companions who were whispering to him, but even he knew better than to jump onto the stage. To many, it would make the Vikings and Celts seem biased towards one another, adding fuel to sparks and threatening a wildfire.
King Arthur tried to walk, but Sir Bart and Kay stopped him, knowing his heart was in the right place, but the boy needed to understand how to move in the game.
Rapunzel, furious at the lack of courage, stood tall. Eugene and Cassandra knew they couldn't stop her, smiling at their princess. But it was not Corona who took that first step.
The steps echoed as the ice began to follow Queen Elsa and Princess Anna as they came forward, the latter smiling at Merida as they met the Celtic royal family. In the center, the ice queen summoned a snowy whirlwind from the ground. With her magic, the gust kept circling the sword.
"I do not wield a weapon like your, but you have Arrendelle's support." Queen Elsa bowed in respect, smiling at the Celtic king and queen. Anna and Merida sent a knowing glance, gazing at the crowd for the next allies. Feeling the gazes of shock from the crowd, she smiled victoriously, knowing the combined power of the Celts and her magic would entice others to join them.
While this would not bring forth the most honest of domains, keeping friends close and enemies closer was better. But the next person to join held no malicious intent as King Arthur walked to the field next. With his knight by his side, the boy almost seemed magnanimous to the diplomats and nobles if not for the sword he was carrying almost dwarfed him. But he stopped for a moment and turned to the crowd.
"Everyone here may not agree with how things are done here, but working together does not mean constant company of each other." King Arthur walked to the center, bringing his sword, a marvelous blade with a gold hilt, out of its sheath and placing it into the ground. "But, we must also contact our friends should trouble arrive."
"Aye, yoor hi'ness." King Fergus bowed in respect to the boy.
"Agreed!" Everyone turned to see Rapunzel had now taken her step on the field, panting from her run. Eugene and Cassandra spun their heads to her now empty seat, wondering when she left. Bare feet were silent, even when running, it seemed. "And Corona will gladly hold hands with those who have defended it earlier."
Rapunzel turned to Chief Haddock and said, "Isn't that right, Hiccup?"
Hiccup smiled, standing up as he walked to the center. But he was not alone as Sir Justin came with him, holding a pillow with a sword on it. The knight turned to his queen, seeing her nod with a smile.
Rapunzel laid a frying pan into the ground, handle first, much to everyone's surprise. And soon, Hiccup brought out Inferno, placing the blade next to the cooking utensil. The cold wind seemed to prevent the flames of the sword from spreading.
"You really know how to talk people over." Hiccup turned to Rapunzel with a smile.
Sir Justin took the sword in one hand and added it to the circle. He turned to the crowd and said in an authoritative tone, "And Gabylonia, with the Knights of Valour, will gladly raise its swords against those who would strike at the unarmed."
Merida smiled, seeing her new friends look back to the crowd, with many noblemen looking astonished as they saw the forces of the six kingdoms combined, containing the key elements they wanted to ally themselves with. It was a tantalizing proposition for many as the Celtic princess walked past everyone. She stood tall and asked," So? Who will join us in arms? Not in the name of power, but of peace?"
A short chapter, but this brings the main allies together. But the reaction of the kingdoms will decide the outcome of the Highland Games, but more players still have yet to appear. And I have yet to show more of the characters and their futures. But we now have the main troupe formed, and I hope this excites you. Have a great day, and remember to fav, follow, or review if you like.
Thank you for leaving a review:
RonaldM40196867: Vikings do celebrate like that, but this is the Celtic Kingdom. So, same thing. There will be humor but also drama as the next book is written.
MORTAL18: Right now, I guesstimate around six.
